The world is changing rapidly. Digital transformation and emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, are forcing us to change the way we work. Despite automation being set to impact 50% of Canadian jobs in the next ten years, soft skills are still needed to succeed in the workplace in any age, and hence cultivating those skills is essential.

Adaptability

The Flux Report by Right Management determined that the ability to deal with change and uncertainty will be the basis of recruiting in the near future. The first step to becoming more adaptable is to redefine your goals and ask, “Is there another way I can reach this goal?” The way you frame your target can influence how you approach it. Additionally, push yourself to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Volunteer at a theatre, learn a new language, or join a public speaking program. When you keep an open mind, you will become more embracing of change, and when you take on new experiences, you will learn new ways to approach your goals!

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are what ultimately make us human. The ability to read both verbal and non-verbal cues in different contexts allows us to understand and build strong relationships with each other, and boost productivity. The best way to improve these skills is to put them into practice:

• Think twice before speaking. Is there a kinder, more eloquent way to phrase a sentence?
• Be open to vulnerability and feedback. If you have a point to make, make it. Chances are someone else has the same thought in mind but is not voicing it. Similarly, be receptive to constructive criticism that others may provide you with.
• Assess yourself after you say something. For instance, do you constantly say “like” or “um”? Catching and setting little goals for yourself will help you improve your communication skills.

However, remember the other side of the spectrum: actively listening to others! People can sense when others genuinely care about what they are saying, allowing us to be more empathetic and build stronger bonds between each other.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills allow us to control our environment in an effort to influence advancement. The key to problem-solving is to identify the root cause of the issue before you start looking for solutions. An effective way to do this is to ask the 5 Why’s. Once you have your final answer, gather the facts surrounding it, and list out as many solutions as you can. If you are working with a team, debate what the best solution is to understand each solution’s pros and cons before deciding on it. Additionally, set standards and guidelines with which you can benchmark progress and determine if you are reaching your goals by your ideal deadlines. Even so, if your gut feeling is telling you something else, ask why – instinct is a helpful tool in problem-solving, and adds empathy to logical thought processes.

Creative thinking

While machines are good at understanding patterns in data and making logical choices, they are limited in their ability to make creative content. Short films written by machines are riddled with classic stereotypes and tropes, and are unoriginal. However, as humans, our unique life experiences lend to our creative thinking and ideas. Therefore, we encourage you to foster your creative side by unplugging from your electronic devices and exploring something you have always wanted to do. Whether it is reading a new book, taking a stroll in a park, or learning a new song on your favourite instrument, you will come back to your work with new perspectives and refreshed enough to tackle any problem.

Strategic thinking

All the above skills culminate in strong strategic thinking skills. In business, it is important to see the bigger picture. Instead of asking where you want to be tomorrow, ask where you want to be in the next five years, and how you can get there. Strategy is an overarching view of different tactics you can employ in reaching various goals. As a strong strategic thinker, you should constantly observe the world around you to gain a better understanding of norms, trends, and new ideas. You should also employ your skills of adaptability to effectively work with new issues, communication to lead others, problem-solving to identify issues, creative thinking to think outside the box, and strategic thinking to contextualize and consider various bits of information, and synthesize them into strong recommendations.

Picking up and improving your skills in all of these areas may seem like a daunting task. However, simply take a step back and set aside a few minutes of quiet time to breathe, reflect on yourself, and let your creative juices flow. Improving your skills will require constant practice, but your efforts will pay off. At the same time, remember that while some jobs may be lost to technological advancements, new ones will be created where technical and soft skills can complement each other.

Looking for more opportunities to improve your skills? Check out career development events on Beedie Community!